VF-41

• Origins in WWII: VF-41, known as "The Black Aces," was first established on 1 September 1945, shortly after the end of World War II, although a previous squadron carried the same designation during the war. • Carrier-Based Legacy: VF-41 has been primarily a carrier-based fighter squadron, operating from some of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aircraft carriers, including USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). • Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron saw significant action during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II and providing air cover and strike support. • Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1976, VF-41 became one of the first operational squadrons to transition to the legendary F-14A Tomcat, which it would operate for nearly three decades. • MiG Killers in Operation El Dorado Canyon: In 1981, during an incident over the Gulf of Sidra, two VF-41 Tomcat pilots shot down two Libyan Su-22 "Fitters," achieving the squadron’s first air-to-air kills since the Vietnam era. • Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, VF-41 flew combat missions from USS Theodore Roosevelt, providing air superiority and escort for strike packages over Iraq. • Last F-14 Cruise: VF-41 completed its final deployment with the F-14 Tomcat in 2001, marking the end of an era for both the squadron and the legendary aircraft. • Redesignation as VFA-41: In 2001, VF-41 was redesignated as VFA-41 and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, reflecting its new multi-role fighter/attack mission. • Distinctive Insignia: The squadron’s insignia, a black ace of spades, is one of the most recognizable in naval aviation and symbolizes its call sign "Black Aces." • Continued Service: Today, as VFA-41, the Black Aces continue to serve as a frontline strike fighter squadron, participating in major operations and exercises worldwide.